The most interesting book on Ballet that I've read is Apllo's Angels. It covers pretty much everything (political, sociological, etc) about ballet since it's inception. While it's a pretty massive book, it's not overly dense and it's pretty accessible to any audience - dancer or not.
https://www.amazon.com/Apollos-Angels-History-Jennifer-Homans/dp/0812968743
Ballet slippers aren't going to give you any support or protection from the ground if you're outside. I would suggest regular ballet flats, which will give you the look you want but still be actual shoes. I have the Jessica Simpson Mandalaye in natural (which are a knockoff of an expensive designer version), and people ask me all the time if I'm walking around in ballet shoes.
I don't want to ruin your night but...
these review pictures are terrifying
(and what is with the random knock off Sanshas? I need to exit this rabbit hole)
That’s completely ridiculous. Someone should tell everyone who brings water to the gym that their body “isn’t processing the water,” it’ll be news to them! This is just from WebMD, so it’s hardly the most reliable source, but it points out that athletes who drink more water while exercising can work harder, longer, more effectively, and enjoy faster muscle recovery afterwards.
I also think the argument for corps work silly, because no one is onstage for two hours straight without a break. There’s always moments backstage to steal sips of water, and there should be! Your body needs to refuel.
Bloating is a fair argument, but to be honest when I’m dancing or working out, I don’t notice bloating at all. I’m replacing all the water I’m sweating out!
I personally haven't used them, and according to what I've heard they're pretty rough on your joints.
I'd recommend going with theraband exercises instead, you can even get small resistance bands that wrap around your thighs. (I use those in both ballet and Ballroom training.)
This book has some great exercises: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/0736041567/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_WT29NCPV7SQR6QA0VDP6
Also pilates is one of the best things you can do in complement to your dance training.
I'd echo the Vanagova book recommendation.
But also since you're specifically looking for pictures, I'd recommend this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0813009456 I still reference it constantly. It's a glossary with pictures, it's a bit spendy, but I think worth it cause all the pictures are there to show you how it looks when you do a movement right (and sometimes how it looks when you do it wrong)
Sounds like an entrechat to me. The different numbers denote the number of beats. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/188998/entrechat
There's also changemant and it sounds like your teacher is getting them mixed up. The changemant just switches feet from fifth with one foot in front to the back. http://www.step-by-step-dance.com/ballettermspronunciationdefinitions.html
Chacott is a brand of pointe shoe. It's pronounced like what your teacher seems to be saying. Next class, ask for clarification.
Sorry for lack of formatting. I'm on my phone.
I'm about 3/4 of the way through a transition to web development. It's not bad. My income has doubled, and I'm confident it will be 3x the original amount within the next year.
I do really miss the direct realtime collaboration of ballet though, particularly partnering. The pace is also much slower and grindier.
One interesting contrast is that dancers require mental fortitude to keep going even when their mental and physical health is wrecked and everything is hard, but developers require mental fortitude to keep going even when the task is boring and ~~probably doesn't matter~~ won't matter for 6 months.
If you're interested in development, there are a ton of coding courses out there. A good place to start would be the Javascript or Python course on Codecademy. If you like it, or you're interested but it feels slow, check out The Odin Project.
One nice thing about ballet is that you can usually get by with teaching in the evenings while you re-skill to another career. Teaching has its own problems, but it's probably the easiest way to support yourself through a transition.
PF needs warmth, rest & daily use of a spiky ball like these. The green is soft & the red firm. Start gently with the soft green one. Sit on the couch/bed & roll it under your foot a few minutes a day while distracted by a video. Therapist’s Choice® Pack of 2 Spiky Massage Balls, Hard & Soft Combo, Stress Reflexology, Porcupine Sensory Ball Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018STZSAG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_MGN2HWS51BDQSZDGFW1C?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
This looks like the version that you saw on Youtube - produced by Lincoln Center, copyrighted in 2011. Hope this helps!
I have very sweaty feet and struggled with this with canvas, too. I found leather was much better for me. That said, I have used this cream for my sweatiness that you can buy from Amazon and it works pretty well (and is immediate--you don't have to keep applying it regularly to have it work). https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B010BVZ1VU/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
There’s this DVD series but I don’t know how reliable it is. Maybe someone else can vouch for them.
Misty Copeland - an American Ballet Theater principal dancer - actually teaches an online ballet class that you might want to check out, especially while the quarantine is still in place. The details can be seen here. Ms. Copeland actually only began dancing when she was 13, herself, and she proves that it's never too late to begin! I believe, for this reason, she is the perfect person to teach beginner ballet, and I definitely recommend checking out her classes.
There's also spin pins for buns. I find these hold well enough that I don't need to secure the ponytail at all, just form the bun and push these in. I have curly hair, though, so that might be different for straight hair. I also found them at the dollar store, so you can find them a lot cheaper than the link here.
Similar but I've used spin pins for years. I love these! I can use two to hold my hair up in a bun on a normal work day but with several of them and some hair spray I can spin to my hearts content.
Smartwool Mountaineering socks. They are the thickest socks I have ever found. Every dancer I have gifted these to loved them.
There are little silicone things you can slide on the tips of the glasses arms that help them stay on due to friction. Mine came in black, brown, and 'clear' which is really more whitish. Depending on your hair color, they might blend in pretty well.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TTW1LD7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_fOklFbYN6KYF5
I used my plastic computer chair mat until I finally broke down and bought the expensive dot2dance. Dot2dance isn't that expensive, unless you're 5'9 tall like me and their largest size still isn't really big enough for you.
I got my barre on amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07V47Q3D3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Should work for any height. It's very adjustable. The only thing I don't like about it is, because its not very long, you really have to keep your hand and weight in the middle of the barre. If you shift your hand too far forward, it's going to tilt forward. I wish the barre was twice as long just because of that factor, but you're right, it's nice that its smaller so it fits into an apartment. If you could somehow glue it or tie the legs down, then it would be fine. It's a super strong barre, I can put my entire body weight on it, it's just physics that if you get too far to the end of it, of course its going to start tipping over!
There's tons of barre types on amazon. I just wanted something sturdy and not flimsy since I'm a tall girl with a decent amount of weight behind me.
The zoom classes were better than I thought they would be. But I don't envy the teacher. Just trying to watch 10 different kids, all at different camera angles, is a nightmare!
Sadly, the Royal Ballet seems protective of their copyright, so you have to buy it
Buy or rent Swan Lake and watch it. This is one of the best ballets of all time and one of the technically most difficult to perform (there are some involved dances). There are also a lot of different dance types showcased in it too. You could watch it alone to learn more about ballet, or invite the girl to watch it with you.
Uniqlo, or I have (in desperation, for a performance in a white backless leotard), worn stick-on ‘cups’ thus: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Epieus-Breathable-Invisible-Backless-Skin-Friendly/dp/B0B3F5X85Z/
Not much support but reasonable coverage.
I would hope so, I bought my tap shoes from the same company years ago haha.
Here are the tights in question.
And though I'm not sure if these measurements matter, I'm 6'1", 34W with 32 inseam and rocking the XL size.
Some of this is practical stuff I already have and just want more of, some is stuff I would absolutely want as a gift but would not likely buy otherwise.
-Kurt Adler Ballet Ornaments. I have one and want them all.
-Any of the Ainsliewear Nutcracker stuff. So cute. I don't feel I can justify buying stuff that I would only us seasonally, but I would be so happy to get this stuff as a gift.
-The Bloch sheer stretch ribbon - matches "ballet pink" tights better than any other ribbon I've found. Makes more sense to match my tights than to try and match my shoes anyway.
-Compression legwarmers. A miracle for helping prevent injury. Can never go back to traditional legwarmers now. Mine are Cloudz travel brand. However, I would love to find a knee length plain pair that has a stirrup bottom. So far no luck on the stirrup part.
- Perfect Fit Pointe Inserts. I've never tried them but they're on my wishlist.
- One more of these hanging toiletry bags. There are many designs on amazon but they fit my spare new pointe shoes /sewing stuff as well as new tights in packaging perfectly.
They are basically a perfect hanging storage for various dance items. https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B092ZB9HJH/?coliid=I1PXFPZRTRHH2B&colid=2DAR26GE82Y3S&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
- KH Martin Ballet slippers. The best.
-Warmup booties. I wear one pair at dance between classes, and another pair as slippers. So much more comfy and cozy than regular slippers. I can't go back.
-Pointe shoe keychains.
-Pointe Shoe sewing kit. I love the RP one with the little folding scissors but prefer the Bloch tins to the plastic RP case.
-Sheer ballet skirts. I love ones that can do double duty as beach skirts.
It's the 1986 movie version, with the WEIRD relationship between Maria/Clara and "her godfather" Drosselmeyer...who straight up acts like he's jealous that Maria might not have romantic feelings for him.
Barishnikov's version, it sounds like! Starring Mikhail Baryshnikov and Gelsey Kirkland. This is the one of my youth! It usually comes on TV and you can probably find other places to watch it, but that was the first link I came across.
https://www.amazon.com/Baryshnikovs-Nutcracker-Mikhail-Baryshnikov/dp/B07YS1ZSDL
I had this issue in a shoe that was slightly too small, so maybe check the fit - are you still growing? Either that, or your shoes may be dying. One thing that I do find helpful is a silicone cap for the big toe, like these on Amazon.
One Hundred Lessons in Classical Ballet: Eight-year Programme of Leningrad's Vaganova Choreographic School: The Eight-Year Program of Leningrad's Vaganova Choreographic School (Limelight) by Amazon Learn more: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0879100680/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_GB2QQ0W28HTZCNVMAMBA
Did they specify what kind of tape you should buy? If not, I recommend waterproof foam tape. https://www.amazon.com/Nexcare-Absolute-Waterproof-Cushioned-Protection/dp/B07GSQJH19/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=9JCVIAP84PPS&keywords=nexcare+waterproof+foam+tape&qid=1666188957&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIwLjc2IiwicXNhIjoiMC43MiIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D...
(It’s also sold in a pack of just one, and you can find it in most large stores like Walmart, Walgreens, etc). The link is for Nexcare brand, but any off brand I’ve tried has worked as well or close.
Also, Gaynor Minden dancer dots are a lifesaver if you get blisters (tape is for blister prevention, these are for blister relief if you end up getting one). They are a bit expensive, but you don’t use them often. It’s also unlikely that you would get a bunch of blisters your first year since you aren’t dancing en pointe a ton, especially if you are taping your toes; so you can hold off on these if they are a bit too expensive.
I used to live in a really humid area, and because of this we kept these dehumidifier bags in the closet/shoe areas. I imagine they might help you too depending on where you store them?
My current favourite combo is a mock neck zipper leotard with a racerback sportsbra underneath.
On eBay I only buy new shoes, and from brands I know. If you’re in the US here are canvas Pro Arches in an 8.5D (wide) for $10+ postage: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Bloch-S0271L-Pro-Arch-Split-Sole-Mesh-Ballet-Dance-Shoes-Pink-Sz-8-5-D-/174613776592? The seller has a bunch of other sizes and styles.
If you’re a beginner and hurting for cash this kind of thing are fine (and better than the house slippers!) - this is the brand beginners in my class seem to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Girls-Ballet-Dance-Slipper-Shoes/dp/B01ALU6PFM/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?
Thank you! The brand of the leotard is Daydance! Here’s the Amazon listing https://www.amazon.com/Leotards-Turtleneck-Sleeve-Leoards-Gymnastics/dp/B08HYSV67V/ref=sr_1_8?crid=25K9VSUCAJTF9&keywords=womens%2Bleotards%2Bfor%2Bballet&qid=1653752332&sprefix=womens%2Bleo%2Caps%2C109&sr=8-8&th=1
The brand for the leotard is daydance! Here is a link to the listing on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Leotards-Turtleneck-Sleeve-Leoards-Gymnastics/dp/B08HYSV67V/ref=sr_1_8?crid=25K9VSUCAJTF9&keywords=womens%2Bleotards%2Bfor%2Bballet&qid=1653752332&sprefix=womens%2Bleo%2Caps%2C109&sr=8-8&th=1
“Classical ballet technique” by Gretchen Warren has a lot of still photos of most major movements or steps in ballet. For example, 5-6 still photos of the “reversè” movement. It’s one of my favorite texts:
https://www.amazon.com/Classical-Ballet-Technique-Gretchen-Warren/dp/0813009456
I have front splits fast and core stability and training turnout in addition to the perfect pointe book.
For me, I really need to work through most of this stuff with a teacher to really get the details right, but they were interesting reads nonetheless.
I think front splits fast is the most accessible without a teacher after the perfect pointe book and it also gives you access to lots of videos. But if your flexibility training works for you, you don't really have a need for it.
Core stability also has some videos in its members area but training turnout has none. Both of these I feel are interesting reads but I wasn't able to use much of the content initially - I am now that I've worked on some of this stuff with a teacher.
Tbh, I'm not so much a fan of her books anymore (but still very much of her content in general and her videos in particular) because there's a better one that covers all of these topics really well - for the price of one of the Lisa Howell ones if you go e-book: Dance medicine in practice by Liane Simmel https://www.amazon.com/Dance-Medicine-Practice-Prevention-Training/dp/0415809398
But I guess it also helps that Liane Simmel is my teacher's teacher so anything in that book ties in really well with what I'm learning in class.
oh my gosh and this blessing Wild Republic Orangutan Plush, Monkey Stuffed Animal, Plush Toy, Gifts for Kids, Hanging 20 Inches https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004U6Y0I8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Q81QBP1RH05Y6EB0X4PW
Wild Republic Huggers, Snow Leopard Plush Toy, Slap Bracelet, Stuffed Animal, Kids Toys, 8 inches https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MZXSA2I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_2BN0EHWXYH9YSYSH6A04?psc=1
this is not the same one bc my mom got this as a special gift for me, but this would probably wrap around a barre like perfectly 😳
How about just 'decorating' the hairstyles you do now? When I was in kids ballet, a lot of the girls had big colorful scrunchies or bows around their hair ties. Or add one of these purely decorative hair nets, like these: https://www.amazon.com/TRYAH-Ballet-Barrettes-Hairnet-Crochet/dp/B07F58VZX4 . I don't know anything about black hair, but you just add them on top of the finished bun, so they probably work just as well on a puff ball? They are very much 'ballerina hair' when you are five years old and you can match the colour to the leotard/skirt. Same with the bows and scrunchies.
Have you tried Amazon? I did a quick search, and there are sellers of old copies of dance magazine. I don't know what month you are specifically looking for, butI did see September 1955 for $11.
DANCE magazine: Vol XXIX, No. 9; September, 1955 https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B06VY929TF/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_EHXMT4MX0N5FKGTH1J97
I've heard ebay is also a great place to find old magazines!
I used a hanging shoe rack - the kind that has pockets for shoes and hangs on the back of the door - for things like mittens and winter hats and some dance shoes. It is made of mesh and would probably be great for holding rolled up skirts/ tights/leos and even your shoes, unless you have too many to fit. Sort of like this one: https://www.amazon.com/Lifewit-Hanging-Organizer-Pockets-Holders/dp/B09GLKTTZF/ref=sr\_1\_3\_sspa?c=ts&keywords=Hanging%2BShoe%2BOrganizers&qid=1648351332&s=storageorganization&sr=1-3-spons&ts\_id=11601915011&spLa=ZW5jcnlwd...
I take these ones! I'm not 100% sure they're vegan, but they're listed as free of milk and fish and shellfish and are in plant-based capsules and some of the reviews are from people who say they're vegan.
I got this ballet barre and I really like it!(: https://www.amazon.de/dp/B085HMP9R2/ref=cm_sw_r_wa_api_glt_i_5XX5R2519PHBBT3TEK06?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I got this one and I really like it ^^ https://www.amazon.de/dp/B085HMP9R2/ref=cm_sw_r_wa_api_glt_i_5XX5R2519PHBBT3TEK06?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I personally couldn't find one. I bought a set of dip bars that were approx 1m tall. They work really well and are incredibly sturdy. Very short but long enough for practice.
Similar to this (I got one at a local sports shop, not Amazon) - https://www.amazon.com/ProSource-Station-Ultimate-Pull-Ups-Push-Ups/dp/B07BHWFH1W/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=dip+bar&qid=1645347462&sr=8-3
I’m a 34DDD woman, which is think is the same as an e cup. I wear the capezio basics line which has a built in bra shelf that is actually supportive enough for my needs, and I don’t need a bra with it. However, the cut would probably hide the bra you want to wear. It’s not the cutest, it’s super basic, but maybe it will work for you!
Capezio Team Basic Women's Short Sleeve Leotard https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B000KIE74W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_PGAME3EXKPKVJYXMKS1G
Like someone else eaid, i just chuck mine in tumble dry without issues, but gor a while i used one of these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H7P1G7C/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_AACQNJ5B6J7D42C9DY2Qit's worth every penny.
We use one of these at my store, unless it's a Gaynor
The way we do it is to run the threader up from the center of the vamp, to the back of the shoe. Then you carefully slide the tool into the casing so it pokes out the back and then pull the elastic through. Repeat on the other side.
Because gaynors tie on the side instead of at the top of the vamp, it's harder because you have to come at it from a couple sides, and I'm not sure if you can poke a hole through the casing as easily as other pointe shoes.
There's lots of pilates and yoga courses free on YouTube.
Ballet drills themselves are great exercise, plies with a theraband is good.
The book Conditioning for Dance is also great.
Link to book, and the YouTube channel I use:
https://youtube.com/c/MoveWithNicole
Conditioning for Dance https://smile.amazon.com/dp/0736041567/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_MJ55DYCVC7PGAH9F9SAH
In case a different studio/teacher doesn't work out, I'm gonna recommend this book to really learn the terms: https://www.amazon.com/Classical-Ballet-Technique-Gretchen-Warren/dp/0813009456
It lists all the terms as dancers are expected to know them, and it has progressive pictures so you can get a sense of what the movement is and how it should look.
I'm not a serious ballet dancer, I started adult ballet but I've had to give it up because of getting long covid. Unfortunately I've had a similar experience, not exactly losing flexibility but I've had terrible problems with old injuries and especially an old knee injury. I got a massage and I was shocked to find that my calves and quads were just this tight knot, my body has never been like this before. I have a gymnast friend with long covid who just lost loads of her flexibility.
There's lots of theories, both me and my friend have been diagnosed with this thing called Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and the interesting thing about mast cells is that they are a white blood cell, so part of the immune system, and they are in all our connective tissues. We don't really think of our muscles and connective tissues as being affected by the immune system but they are.
I don't really have loads of advice because I can't exercise at all right now but one thing that's helped my tight spots is one of those massagers (like this https://www.amazon.com/Shiatsu-Back-Shoulder-Neck-Massager/dp/B07G142F9Z/ ) My friend swears on epson salt baths.
capezio!! this one is my go to: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000KH99QE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_G9DZ86TVX9Y625PQ4T84 this one is from amazon too it’s only $16 but it’s my favorite!! it doesn’t have padding in the chest area but i got the black one and you really can’t see anything through it, its so comfy
There are gel arch supports with a band that goes around the foot, very simple and lightweight, that help me with a related problem. Before I bought them, I stuffed lambswool under my arch.
I don't have this kind, mine have a stretchy fabric strap not this silicon one, but they look like this.
This is similar to the one i use ^^^
Leggings and a tee shirt! If you want you can get some simple ballet slippers like this:
Bloch Dance Unisex-Adult Women's Dansoft Full Sole Leather Ballet Slipper/Shoe https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0041HYMP2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_BDCV8HW0BYHZE8S4AEZR
Yoga and pilates are great complements to dance training. Dance drills themselves are great too. Do slow tendus, slow pliés, slow devlopés, etc. Really focusing on every muscle used.
This book also has good supplementry conditioning drills:
Conditioning for Dance https://smile.amazon.com/dp/0736041567/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_Z6NRE1Y0V62BA3AEM1PR
I got mine on Amazon, here's the link. My practice room is carpeted too. I put them on over my ballet shoes, they also work over a regular pair of socks. I can do full pirouettes in them with no discomfort.
THE DANCESOCKS - 100% USA Made Over Sneaker Dance Socks, Carpet (1 Pairs/2 Socks) https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0186YFXGW/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_0V42X8DNRCZY5EKTH3PF?psc=1
Something I've seen but never tried (I have fairly good posture already), but might be something to look into. Basically, it helps to hold your shoulders in a good position, so that you get used to having them where they need to be. Doesn't help as much with hunching over, but might be a good place to start.
Im not sure if this is what you're looking for but my friend uses these tights and it works well with her skin colour. Pink tights look too pink on her as well
BLOCH Women's Ladies contoursoft Footed Tights https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B079BSYC5W/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_TXFCT901B80322TWY99Z
Capezio Hold & Stretch Footed Tights https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002YQ2FJM/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_2KFPA0NS7N7N5DV8FMCH
It depends on your teacher and studio, and whether the class is uniform or not, but my answer to this will always be yes. I personally only wear a bra with a leotard when I'm uncomfortable with the amount of support in it. I wish I was flat so that I wouldnt need one because. But yeah I would definitely say that you shouldnt be wearing a visible bra with your ballet leotards unless you need one.
I found a beige colored one online that I use specifically for dance, it has clear straps, I reccomend that if you prefer to wear a bra with your leotards.
here's the link the one I use, I like it and it has clear straps
Oh yeah! This could be why you’re struggling. I tried canvas one on my floor and turned them into slippers, because they literally don’t grip enough to get through a class. These are the ones I use, they’re great!
Also can I ask if you have a large screen TV? Might have another tip for you 🙃
When the National Gallery of Art had their massive Ballets Russes exhibit in 2013 there was an accompanying coffee table book with essays and pictures of everything featured. I have it and it’s lovely. Looks like you can still get the book on Amazon. I wish I could go back in time and experience the exhibit again. It was amazing: the actual costumes Nijinsky wore, actual set pieces and backdrops, Bakst’s and Picasso’s illustrations, videos of performances, and the overhead speakers would play music from many of the famous ballets (I think they might have even had some of the manuscript scores, but I can’t remember which composer it belonged to - Maybe Stravinsky)
I did a lot of research before purchasing mine. The Lena Sensitive Cup is made of a softer silicone than others
Amazon.com: Vemubapis Mens Cap Sleeve Fitness Cotton T-Shirt Slim Fit Sweatshirts: Clothing I searched cap sleeve men's top.
Hi!! I just got some turn boards from amazon to try them out, and I think they do a great job of helping me remain focused on technique and giving me the momentum to keep going around. I got the La Esmeralda turning board this one for flat turns and I got the Tolbi turning board this one to practice turns on relève :)) I hope this helps!! I recommend both products
I bought this one back in February and I love it. The feet (the part that's parallel with / on the floor) swivel so you can make it flat and lean it against a wall or slide it under the bed.
I’m a big advocate of weight lifting for dancers! Personally, it changed the look of my body, improved my technique, and I stopped getting injured. I became a personal trainer and realized that there was a significant disconnect between exercise science and classical ballet training. There were so many things I learned in my certifications that no one was talking about in the dance space. I ended up writing a book on that topic, here’s the link if you’re interested! The New Rules of Cross Training for Dancers
I just checked my amazon (it arrives Monday) and it’s this:
4.6 out of 5 stars 447 Reviews PreGymnastic Updated 4ft Adjustable & Portable Freestanding Ballet Barre with Carrying Bag for Dancing Stretch
That's what I thought, but my only experience is with very large heavy rolls. A grippy area rug mat would help if it does slide. This type with the little squares holds my small doorway mat in place that would otherwise be a safety hazard, and it doesn't actually adhere to the floor. It's been in place on wood for years with no damage.
I think I understand what you're saying - basically you have a extra space between your big toe and the rest so a tight shoe will push the top of your big toe towards your other toes making it look diagonal? If yes, I have a similar spacing issue so I wear silicone toe spacers between my big toe and the others which stops the movement and the pain. Here's a link to the kind I use from amazon: https://www.amazon.com/NatraCure-Gel-Toe-Separators-Spacers/dp/B076C2CQ2R/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?keywords=toe+spacer&qid=1576881292&sr=8-3-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExR1FXVlYxSzA2M0EwJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwODY4ODIxMks5MUowVjEwVEIzUiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNTk3NzA1MVRKR0s1N0VDU0hIVyZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=
That said, I only use spacers with my pointe shoes because pointe makes the problem worse for me. I'm not sure if these spacers would be too clunky to go inside of flats. I personally wear a theatricals brand slipper Style No: T2915 and while I don't love the shoe completely, it definitely doesn't put too much pressure on my big toes.
Highly recommend stretch ribbons and trying the “loop method” this involves never having to tie ribbons near the ankles for optimal movement and less restrictions causing injuries https://www.amazon.com/Bloch-Womens-Stretch-Satin-Ribbon/dp/B07B3JZ1ZW
I have eye problems as well, and also can't do contacts or Lasik. I personally just go without glasses for class when it's in person, since it's easy enough for me to see shapes and steps without them, but it gets trickier when class is over Zoom. Sometimes I'll put my glasses on for the demo, then quickly ditch them before I do the combination, but I also did recently get these straps. I mostly use them at work, since I need to see more detail for that, but they could help, and they're one of the more discreet options I found (I have dark hair and it blends right in).
I don't think it's wide enough for that. My therabands are 4" wide. This is the set I have. Should I look for a wider set, do you think?
In my opinion it goes down to history. In particular to restoration of Bourbons in France. They loved army and they loved ballet. To this day we have standard male and female clothing in class. They ressemble army uniform. At that time also the class resembled army exercise. Later also the Russians build on that.
I recommend this book: https://www.amazon.com/Apollos-Angels-History-Jennifer-Homans/dp/0812968743
Have her read "Roses big decision". https://www.amazon.com/Roses-Big-Decision-Ballerina-Dreams/dp/0794512968 Its a great series for kids and this one is all about a girl who has to decided between Ballet and Gymnastics. Great conversation starter.
I've a few wrap skirts from Amazon and love them. The sizing is a little weird though. Are you okay with there being a less overlap? I am a s/m in work out leggings and wear a large wrap skirt. This is one of my all time faves. Rose skirt
I use something called Jelly tips (for the 2nd toe) and Big Tips for the big toe. I buy them on discountdance.com, but I just found them out for much less on Amazon (links at the bottom). I hate spacers and these realign my toes enough so they are more even, and take the pressure off the second toe.
ZenToes 5 Pack Toe Caps Closed Toe Fabric Sleeve Protectors with Gel Lining, Prevent Corn, Callus, Blister Development Between Toes, Soften and Soothe The Skin (Size Medium) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MRFNWB5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_nZjpEbN3MQAB6
Welnove 10Pack Toe Caps Closed Toe Surface Fabric Sleeve Protectors with Gel Lining, Prevent Pain Relief for Corns, Blisters and Ingrown Toenails (Size Large + Size Medium) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0817Z6JFV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Y2jpEbH20SNFW
I have found most of my ballet skirts on Amazon.
https://smile.amazon.com/ModLatBal-Girls-Ballet-Dance-Chiffon/dp/B07F5HJGFC
I order a size large and they are plenty long enough length and waist. I love them so much and always look forward to getting a new one.
I’ve been wearing these amazon shorts over leos https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0772HHHH2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_dP5fEbG9J4FT7 they’re really flattering and show off your line without showing off your bottom:)
This is the duffle bag: https://www.amazon.com/Under-Armour-Packable-Duffle-Bag/dp/B00R2LPSBG
My backpack is a small ballet pink one from the women's line, as a guy you might need a bigger one. It's this one: https://uae.souq.com/ae-en/under-armour-midi-outdoor-backpack-for-women-polyester-impulse-pink-42581875/i/
there is an app called ruler if you don't have one around. Use a creditcard ( 85,60 × 53,98 mm / 3 3⁄8 × 2 1⁄8 inches) to calibrate it.
Look age doesn't matter. . if you have passion for something you can learn at any age. Start going for classes, start practicing, watch video of ballet and even here's this app " Flixmates ". . this app gives you opportunity to showcase your talent related to entertainment industry and exchange ideas, share, interact and many more. . here's the app link below. . check it out.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.flixmates
Hope this helps. . good luck!!
Hello! We just launched a new dance board (made in the USA!) that improves upon what the turnboard offers.
The Turning Pointe can be used on carpet but the most exciting feature is that there is a relevé platform! This board is for dancers of all levels and really aids in getting you all the way to your pirouette goals. Also unique to the Turning Pointe is that it has a borderless design so it won't dig into your feet and it is make of completely solid, eco-friendly material making it the most durable board on the market!
You can learn more here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072KJLV6K
If you are interested in purchasing it, I will send you a 50% off code. Just email me at !
I struggled with plantar fasciitis last year, and in figuring that out I came to the same conclusion as /u/topazglow, that having enough space in the toe box is crucial.
I have a pretty minimalist aesthetic, but I basically live in my soft star shoes and palladium boots. I think soft star makes some cute flats, though I haven't tried anything but their RunAmoc style (which are great--the 5mm sole has held up for years).
I, like so many girls, dreamed of being a ballerina when they grew up but sadly, it never happened. I decided to treat myself to a pair of pointe shoes recently and was a little confused at how they fit around the heel. I know what I bought isn't high quality by any means, but most of the reviews on it (and even the official specs from the seller) say it tends to either run true to size or a little small, so I ordered a 7.5.
And yet as you can see in the video, my heel pops out of them with the tiniest effort. Will they fit better with tights on? Or perhaps once the ribbons have been sewn in? Or do I just need to exchange them for one size down?
I wouldn't say it's "life changing" in the way you put forward, but it certainly marked a pivot in the way I approached my career and lifestyle in ballet:
Grieg's book on anatomy and ballet is not a book of reference, not one that skimming would give you anywhere near the brunt of the knowledge. However, I'd say that for anyone who wants to seriously devote their body to ballet- nay, for anyone, because the pursuit of correct ballet in any form is the devotion of the body- the book is really great and can save you a lot of grief later in life. As much as a teacher can instil much of the same technique, this book came to me at a point in my career that really deepened my reverence for thinking of ballet in relation to my body.
The way I would best characterize it is a mildly heavy technical book that eventually opens your eyes to truly conceptualize your body throughout your day and life as an instrument for ballet, and your ballet always as an anatomical exercise.